Who's Hiding? Under the Sea by Janet Lawler and James Weston Lewis

Who's Hiding? Under the Sea

by Janet Lawler

Illustrated by James Weston Lewis

Published by Pahidon

Expected Release April 1, 2026

Board Book

Nonfiction

12 Pages

In this nonfiction board book, young readers will learn about different animals through riddle poems. 

They will love guessing what the animals are and lifting the flaps to find out. 

The flaps are created in the shape of various ocean plants and creatures, such as anemone, kelp, and shells. The illustrations and backgrounds are colorful and show other animals and different parts of the ocean. 

Young readers will LOVE this book!

Lolly on the Ice by Sarah S. Brannen

Lolly on the Ice

by Sarah S. Brannen

Published 2025

Random House

40 pages

Hardcover

Fiction Picture Book

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary

Lolly loves to ice skate. She feels confident and happy on the ice when it is only her father watching. When anyone else is around, Lolly freezes, and is too scared to skate. When she gets an opportunity to skate in an ice show, she is unable to move when she is in front of the judges. But she is given a role as a snowman in the show because the snowmen didn't need to move. 

When a key performer is injured during the show, Lolly needs to decide if she will face her fear of performing in front of people and step up and skate in the girl's place. 

My Thoughts

This book could be helpful for children who experience performance anxiety or stage fright. It is not a common subject of many books in kid lit. 

In the beginning, it is clear how much Lolly loves to skate. When she becomes a snowman, her energy is different, and you can tell from her facial expression and body language that she really wants to skate like the main performers. Lolly ultimately overcomes her fear and performs in the show. I do wish there had been more development and conflict when she needs to decide if she will skate in the show, and more of a resolution and clear lesson at the end. 

The illustrations, created in watercolor and ink, have a softness about them. The characters have various skin tones. The book includes a combination of one and two-page spreads. 

Image from Amazon.com

Image from Amazon.com

Formula Fast: Your Ultimate Guide to Formula One Racing!

by Matt Ralphs

Illustrated by Dragan Kordic

Expected Publication Feb. 4, 2026

Phaidon Press

Hardcover

Nonfiction Picture Book

64 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary From Publisher

The ultimate illustrated guide to Formula One racing, the world’s fastest sport: from superhuman drivers to legendary tracks to cutting-edge cars.

Packed with facts, stats, and impactful illustrations, this ultimate guide to Formula One answers all the questions car-obsessed kids want to know: How do you become a superstar driver? Which is the most challenging race track? What is the record for the quickest pit stop? (Hint: it’s less than two seconds.)

Young speed-seekers will discover fascinating details about incredible cars, iconic tracks, superhuman drivers, and behind-the-scenes action. Learn about the latest developments in car technology, what drivers wear and how they train, and, of course, the biggest names in racing history – from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to legendary greats like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, plus unsung heroes such as Desiré Wilson.

Featuring a stunning silver-foiled cover, a historical timeline of Formula One cars, and a helpful glossary of key terms, Formula Fast is the ultimate gift for any aspiring gearhead.

My Thoughts

Am I interested in car racing? No, I am not. But that did not stop me from enjoying Formula Fast. The information in this book is interesting, but the format and text features make it truly engaging. Readers will learn everything they ever wanted to know, and lots more! 

Illustrator, Dragan Kordic has filled it with colorful text features including diagrams, lists, maps, biographical information...you name it. 

Image from Amazon.com

Image from Amazon.com

I have just the reader in my library who would LOVE to be the first to read Formula Fast. 

Our Prehistoric Planet by Sue Lowell Gallion and Lisk Feng

Our Prehistoric Planet 

by Sue Lowell Gallion 

Illustrated by Lisk Feng

Expected Publication March, 2026

Phaidon Press

Nonfiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Summary from Publisher

A rhyming, read-aloud introduction to dinosaurs and early life on our planet that, when opened up and folded back, creates a free-standing globe

This exciting addition to the bestselling Our World collection invites children to explore life on our prehistoric planet through rhyming verse and stunning illustrations.

Beginning with the origins of early life in the oceans billions of years ago, Our Prehistoric Planet travels chronologically through the development of giant crocodile-like lizards, the reign of the dinosaurs, mass extinction events, and the rise of early mammals. Along the way, readers will meet incredible creatures from across the globe, from familiar favorites like Stegosaurus to the bizarre Brontothere, an enormous, rhino-like mammal with giant horns over 3 feet long.

Additional text throughout offers more detailed information and friendly interactive questions, encouraging readers to learn about the amazing creatures that, millions of years ago, stomped or swam where we live today.

Inspiring, informative, and one-of-a-kind, this artful homage to our prehistoric world is both an invitation to travel back in time and an object to be treasured for years to come.

My Thoughts
Kids LOVE books about dinosaurs. This book teaches about different dinosaurs, but goes beyond to cover early prehistory and how the world changed and creatures developed as time passed.
The information is presented in both simple text on the right side of each spread and goes into further detail on the right side, making this book relevant for younger and older students.
Then there is the way it opens up into a globe that stands up independently.

Image from Amazon.com

I would definitely recommend adding this book to your collection.